Weeknight Activities in Spokane Valley That Don’t Involve a Screen

We’ve all been there: It’s 5:30 p.m., the kids are home from school, dinner’s half-prepped, and someone’s already asking for the iPad. Again. One show turns into two. Then you blink—and somehow it's bedtime and no one moved more than five feet all evening.

Screens are easy. That’s the trap. After a long day, it feels like the simplest way to keep the peace while you juggle all the evening tasks. But if you're anything like most Spokane Valley parents, you’ve probably said (or thought) this exact thing: “I wish we could do something together that doesn’t involve a screen.”

You’re not alone—and there are options.

Why Screens Are the Easy Out (But Not Always the Best One)

Let’s be honest: screen time isn’t evil. Sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes it’s educational, and sometimes it just buys you the 30 minutes you need to cook something that isn’t frozen pizza.

But when it becomes the default—every single weeknight—it starts to wear on everyone. Kids get grumpier. Bedtime gets harder.

That’s why finding a few go-to, screen-free evening activities can change the whole vibe of your week.

Screen-Free Weeknight Activities That Actually Work

Here are a few simple ideas that don’t require massive prep time, Pinterest-level crafting, or a second mortgage:

1. Library runs and read-aloud nights
   Spokane County Library has some great children’s picks, and reading together—even for 20 minutes—creates calm and connection.
2. Classic board games
   Break out the Uno deck or a quick round of Connect Four. Keep it short and fun, not competitive. (No one wants a temper tantrum inducing five hour epic Monopoly battle on a school night.)
3. Build or create something
   Lego, puzzles, drawing competitions, even baking together—kids love using their hands and making something “real.”
4. Night walks or flashlight hide-and-seek
   A quick walk around the block or some creative indoor movement is a great reset button after dinner.
5. Flying Squirrel Spokane Valley (you knew we were going to say it)
   Because sometimes, the best way to unplug is to bounce, climb, laugh, and move together.

Why Movement Beats Passive Screen Time (Especially on Weeknights)

Screens are easy. Movement is better.

When kids move their bodies, they release all that stored-up school-day energy. They regulate their emotions, focus better afterward, and sleep more soundly. You know what doesn’t burn off energy? Sitting cross-legged watching Minecraft videos while crushing Goldfish crackers by the handful.

And here’s the thing: movement doesn’t have to be structured. It doesn’t have to be a team sport or a strict schedule. It can be 45 minutes of free play at a trampoline park while you sip a coffee and enjoy watching your kid light up.

What Kids Love at Flying Squirrel Spokane Valley (Especially on Weeknights)

Whether you’ve got a high-energy five-year-old or a tween who wants to show off their flips, our weekday scene is perfect for short, no-pressure outings. In under an hour, kids can move their bodies, boost their mood, and walk out smiling (and a little sweaty).

Here’s what Spokane Valley kids can’t get enough of on weeknights:

• Freestyle Courts
  Jump, twist, bounce, repeat. This open jumping space is perfect for all ages to get out the wiggles and try something new.
• Performance Trampoline Court
  Higher bounces, more tricks, and a favorite for kids who love to challenge themselves. Great for building confidence in short bursts.
• Trampoline Dodgeball
  Fast-paced and full of laughs. Perfect for siblings or spontaneous team-ups with new friends.
• Dunk Hoops
  No need to be tall when you’ve got trampoline bounce on your side. Slam dunks have never looked cooler.
• Climbing Wall & Valo Interactive Climbing Wall
  Test strength and focus on our standard climbing wall, or add a video-game twist with the interactive Valo wall. It’s part physical, part digital—but still screen-free.
• Battlebeam & Slackline
  Balance, coordination, and a little friendly competition. Kids love knocking each other into the foam pit—safely, of course.
• Aerial Silks
  For kids who love to swing, spin, or feel like an aerial performer, this is where imagination meets core strength.
• Zip Line & Rope Swing
  Quick, thrilling bursts of movement that let kids fly through the air like they’ve always wanted to.
• Airtrack & Airbag Trampoline Launch Lanes
  Perfect for flips, tumbles, or safe high-flying landings. Great for burning energy fast.
• Stunt Jump Airbag
  That “Whoa!” moment when they leap into a giant airbag? Yeah, that’s what keeps them coming back.

• Kiddie Inflatable Park
  A dedicated zone for younger jumpers to bounce, climb, and explore without getting overwhelmed by bigger kids.

• Arcade & Drey Cafe
  Once the jumping’s done, a few games in the arcade or a smoothie from the cafe makes for the perfect cooldown.

Small Commitment, Big Results

Even 30–60 minutes of physical play a couple nights a week can make a noticeable difference in a child’s mood, sleep, and behavior.
Physical play helps:

• Improve bedtime (less tossing, more snoozing)

• Boost mood and reduces post-school meltdowns

• Encourage better focus the next day

• Add a positive routine to the week without draining parents

Final Thoughts: Screens Can Wait—Your Kids Won’t Be This Bouncy Forever

We’re not saying screens are bad. But they’re always there. What your kids won’t always have is the opportunity to run, climb, and laugh beside you on a random Tuesday evening.

So the next time you feel yourself reaching for the remote or handing over the tablet… consider a trampoline instead.

We’ll be here—ready to help you bounce out the chaos. One weeknight at a time.